Cooper City budget plan raises staffer concerns

Three jobs, road project could be cut

COOPER CITY — The city plans to eliminate two code enforcement officers, one school resource officer and a roadway resurfacing project under next year's proposed $34.6 million budget.

But the proposal, which must be voted on by city officials, is already drawing criticism.

Cooper City must cut property tax collection by five percent as a result of state-mandated tax reform and is expected to take in $500,000 less than last year in property tax revenue.

City staffers say the cuts are necessary but Commissioner Lisa Mallozzi said she doesn't support eliminating a school resource officer and instead wants to look more closely at some city workers' salaries.

"School resource deputies are very beneficial," Mallozzi said.

But other city officials said the city has to make tough decisions.

"I'm not happy about eliminating the position of a school resource deputy, but it's a reality," said Mayor Debby Eisinger. "If I could put back one specific position, it would be that."

Under the proposed budget, the tax rate for next year would be $4.70 for every $1,000 of assessed value, down from last year's rate of $5.40.

Under the proposed rate, the owner of a $350,000 home with a standard $25,000 homestead exemption would pay about $1,527 in city taxes next year - a savings of about $228.

"This is the third time in four years we're reducing the tax rate," Finance Director Horacio Montes de Oca said. He said this year's budgeting was challenging because of the uncertainty about how the state changes would affect Cooper City.

More than half the city's current budget goes to police and fire services. Under the proposal, the city would spend $8.4 million on police and $4.7 million on fire services.

The city is expected to collect $10.3 million in property tax revenue next year, a decrease of about $500,000.

Commissioner Elliot Kleiman said he doesn't plan to micromanage the city's finances.

"You have to make cuts even though it hurts sometimes," he said.

Residents can see the proposed budget in the finance department at City Hall and can get a copy for a fee. A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 17 at City Hall, 9090 SW 50th Place.

Georgia East can be reached at geast@sun-sentinel.com or 954-385-7921.

INFORMATIONAL BOX:

Budget breakdown

Total budget proposed this year: $34,698,609

Budget last year: $40,158,545

Percent change: -14 percent

Tax rate this year: 4.77

Tax rate last year: 5.40

Decrease in total property tax to be collected: $500,000

Property owner impact: The owner of a $350,000 home with a $25,000 homestead exemption would pay the city $1,527 next year, a savings of about $228.

What would be cut: One school resource deputy, two code enforcement officers and a roadway resurfacing project.

What else would change: The city's $64.33 fire fee will stay the same next year. The debt service fee for the sports complex and police station would be cut from 20 cents per $1,000 taxable value to 18 cents per $1,000 taxable value.

What's next: A public hearing on the proposed budget is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 17 at City Hall, 9090 SW 50th Place.